York County doctor honored with Jefferson Award

Interacting with and helping patients is what Dr. Deborah McMillan looks forward to every day.

McMillan has been serving patients for the past 29 years as a physician for WellSpan.

This year, she is being honored as an unsung hero and recipient of a 2012 Jefferson Award.

“It's really a wonderful feeling, but it's hard to accept something like that because there are so many people that work along with you, and they should be highlighted as well,” McMillan said.

Service: The Jefferson Award judges seek to honor those who serve their communities and make a difference in the lives of others outside of the spotlight.

Becoming a doctor was a “God thing” for the Manchester Township resident.

“It is a call that I felt in my life from God, and it's hard to explain all of it, but it turned out to be fulfilled,” said McMillan.

“I like the individual contact and one-on-one help,” she said.

“I like to hear their needs and I like to hear how they are facing their challenges in terms of their health,” McMillan added about her patients.

She loves educating her patients and interacting with coworkers at the office.

McMillan said she is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve her patients in any way she can. She reminds patients that sometimes the worst situations can become the greatest opportunity to make a change.

The awards: Sponsored by the United Way, WGAL and PSECU, the 34th annual Jefferson Awards honor achievements in public service.

“The winners are chosen by a panel of volunteers that look at the entire body of work that the individual has produced,” said Tom Long, director of marketing for the United Way of York County.

This year's winners will be honored at a dinner at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel on Monday, Nov. 5.